What Is The Dumbest Generation

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Today, students live in a world of intricate technology and limitless information—unlike older generations—to the chagrin of some critics and the contentment of others. One social critic and professor, Mark Bauerlein, has coined the phrase, “the dumbest generation” based on his claim that technological advancements have deleterious effects on younger generations; it is actually to the contrary. Although the convenience of technology may seem to have a negative effect on the cognitive development of the millennial generation, the effects of digital media are ubiquitous and revolutionary in the capacity for innovative methods of social behavior, literacy and learning.
The autonomy and flexibility of digital media debunks the barriers of archaic communication to forge new ways of expression and social behavior. As argued in the study by Mizuko Ito Et Al., “young people acquire various forms of
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Exploration, in the case of any level of learning, is more effective than forced one-on-one interaction because the student is taking the initiative in the learning experience. Furthermore, “[youth] are often more motivated to learn from peers than adults” due to the fact that their peers are more relatable and are not a traditional authority (Ito et al. 170). In a traditional classroom setting, there is less of an opportunity to have a constant give and take of feedback and information like that of which takes place on digital media. Additionally, the positive correlation between digital media and social behavior exposes how online activity is “highly social and engaged.” (Ito et al. 169) Digital media appeals to the inquisitive